Richmond

Richmond attracts visitors with its multicultural shopping and dining opportunities, and its unique historic and heritage sites.

Sixty per cent of Richmond's population is of Asian descent, which gives the city its rich multicultural vibe. Shopping and dining in the Golden Village area are among the most authentic experiences outside of Asia.

Another big draw for visitors and locals alike is the quaint seaside fishing village of Steveston. Visit some of the village's historic buildings to connect with Steveston's past, then gaze out over the water as you savour a seafood dinner, fresh off the boat.

Richmond occupies 17 islands in the mouth of the Fraser River, with easy access to neighbouring municipalities. It is located 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and is home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada Line SkyTrain service connects Richmond and YVR with downtown Vancouver.

Highlights

Steveston

The village of Steveston is an idyllic place to spend the day. Browse the boutique shops, stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean and buy some fresh-out-of-the-water seafood to take (or have shipped) home.

National Historic Sites

While in Steveston, stop in at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Britannia Shipyard national historic sites to learn about the fishing and maritime history of Canada's West Coast. Tour the cannery with a knowledgeable guide, and watch a boat restoration project in progress at the shipyard.

Whale Watching

Steveston is also a base for whale watching excursions to the nearby Gulf Islands. Join an on-board naturalist on a comfortable, semi-covered vessel, or opt for a thrill ride in an open-air zodiac. Some vessels are equipped with hydrophones so passengers can listen to the whales vocalizing beneath the surface.

Dyke Trails

Visit a Steveston bike rental shop and head out on Richmond's network of flat, scenic dyke trails. Ride (or walk) in a northerly direction to an area across the river from the Vancouver International Airport, where you can watch jets and seaplanes coming and going.

International Buddhist Temple

Probably the most captivating building in the city is the International Buddhist Temple, considered to be among the most authentic examples of imperial-style Chinese architecture in North America. Tour the garden, the courtyard with its many statues and paintings, and the inside of the temple itself.

Golden Village

This area of the city offers three Asian shopping malls, including the distinctive Aberdeen Centre with its three floors of retail stores, herbal tea shops and restaurants. Visit nearby Alexandra Road, dubbed "Food Street," to discover a wealth of Asian dining options considered to be among the best outside of Asia.

Night Markets

From late spring through to the end of summer, two Asian night markets draw thousands of shoppers to an open-air extravaganza with hundreds of food and retail vendors selling clothes, DVDs, wristwatches and much more. Live entertainment adds to the fun.

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